Every Airman Has a Story: 4th FW promotes overcoming obstacles through resilience

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Aaron J. Jenne
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  On March 14th, several 4th Fighter Wing Airmen shared their stories of perseverance during a forum entitled "Every Airman Has a Story."

The quarterly event, held in conjunction with the wing's Comprehensive Airman Fitness activities, highlighted Airmen who overcame obstacles through resilience. Five participants shared life lessons through trying times.

The theme that emerged from the Airmen's stories is the necessity to not be afraid to both look and ask for the help you need.

Tech. Sgt. Phillip Butterfield, 4th FW public affairs NCO in charge of community engagement, told the audience about his addiction to alcohol. He shared the strain his alcoholism placed on his family and the events that occurred forcing him to realize that he did, in fact, have a problem.

Urging others to learn from his mistakes, he described how he used Air Force resources to help him through his process of recovery. He explained that self-identifying to members of the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment program, offered by mental health, actually saved his career rather than ruining it like he thought it would.

"Self-identifying was key to my rehabilitation," Butterfield said. "By acknowledging I had a problem, I was able to seek out the proper help I needed to steer my life back on course. I could finally prioritize the needs of my family above supporting my drinking habit."

He also expressed his gratefulness for having people by his side during his recovery process.

"I'm glad that I realized I didn't have to go through this process alone," he added. "I could have lost everything that was important to me if I continued down the path I was on; my career, family and friends. Fortunately, I had people who truly cared and were willing to support me each step of the way."

Another Airman shared his experience facing adversity.

Airman 1st Class David Secrest, 4th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron electrical and environmental systems technician, told the audience about his difficulty facing bullies.

Secrest said it first began in elementary school. After standing up for himself, four of his classmates jumped him and beat him to the ground. From then on, he mistakenly believed it was better to stay silent when bullied.

The abuse caused him to withdraw from society, ignoring everything that happened around him.

"I didn't have anyone to look up to, and I had bullies," Secrest said. "It didn't matter what team I joined, football, soccer, wrestling or volleyball. It really didn't matter. Every team I joined had a bully. I must have been an easy target back then because I didn't say anything."

In high school, with grades plummeting, his torment became too much. Ultimately, his parents stepped up when they saw he was suffering and he got the help he needed.

"Looking back, I wish my parents realized that I was in trouble earlier," Secrest said. "I didn't think I should tell anyone about it and I think that's typical of children. I hope my story will help parents realize the impact bullying can have on their kids and help them to take the time to talk about this issue. Make sure your kids aren't being bullied and are prepared if targeted by one."

The "Every Airman Has a Story" concept originated with a statement by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III.

"Every Airman has a story," Welsh said. "If you don't know the story, you can't lead the Airmen. Please get to know your Airmen. If we do, all the stuff that happens to people - suicide, sexual harassment, assault - we'll get them under control. Because the better we know each other, the better we'll take care of each other, the more dependable we'll be, the more trust we'll share and the better we'll do the mission - because that is the bottom line."

For more information on ADAPT, call mental health at (919) 722-0883. For more information on bullying and associated warning signs, visit www.stopbullying.gov/at-risk/warning-signs.